Free compost giveaway offered in Santa Monica

The public will have the chance to pick up free compost at Santa Monica’s Quarterly Compost Giveaway Saturday, Sept. 18 from 8 a.m. until supplies last at the City Yards, 2500 Michigan Ave.

The compost offered is from yard trimmings collected curbside every week and processed at a nearby composting facility.

The use of compost in gardens is an effective way to improve soil health, increase plant production, and reduce the use of water, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, says a city resource recovery and recycling manager.

Interested residents are asked to bring shovels, gloves, containers, and proof of residency, such as a utility bill.

While quantities are limited per resident, city representatives expect there to be plenty of material to go around.